The Fifth BeatleReview

There are certain comic books that make you proud to be a fan. Often times, they are the books you can hand to somebody and say, with confidence, “This is a masterpiece, a true work of art.” They are the comics that inspire us; they affect us in a big way. Maybe we see something of ourselves in them, maybe they tickle our imagination or maybe they challenge us. The Fifth Beatle is one of these books. It's a brilliant comic, in every aspect, from script to art to lettering to production; it is beautiful.

The Fifth Beatle is the story of Brian Epstein's time with The Beatles. Epstein's role in the success and popularity of the fab four cannot be overstated. He turned them into international superstars, believed in them when no one else did. He essentially created one of the most important music groups in history, and he did it all before he died at the young age of thirty-two. The Fifth Beatle is Brian's story, showing his unwavering ambition and heartbreaking loneliness. It's about never belonging and the sickness that comes when you can never be yourself. It's a moving and painful tale that will absolutely captivate you.

Vivek J. Tiwary pens this comic, and he manages to perfectly capture The Beatles tone and legacy. He draws you into the story by always keeping things firmly planted in Epstein's point of view. This isn't a story about the man who managed the Beatles; it's the story of a man. There is a real sense of emotion to this work, and Tiwary delivers pitch perfect dialogue and characterization page after page. In an afterword, Tiwary tells us that The Fifth Beatle is his life's work, and it truly shows.

It's the art, however, that will blow you away. It's absolutely gorgeous. Andrew C. Robinson and Kyle Baker provide incredibly different and incredibly brilliant visuals. The look and flow of The Fifth Beatle is worth the cover price alone, whether you are a Beatles fan or not. This is a a masterpiece, a true work of art. Robinson's painted characters are amazing; they come alive on every page, haunt every panel. You can see the heartbreak, feel the pain. Baker's frantic cartooning embodies the feeling for an old-school Beatles cartoon, bigger than life and just the right amount of silly. This is jaw-dropping stuff. You need to see it. You need to experience it.

Steve Dutro's lettering is perfection, as well. It becomes a part of the story, leaves you swimming in the book's pages. The production on The Fifth Beatle is a huge selling point. The oversized, jacket-less hardcover is the kind of comic you just want to hold; digital just doesn't do it justice. Publisher Dark Horse Comics makes beautiful hardcovers and The Fifth Beatle is a testament to that. Every piece of this comic is amazing, every page, panel and speech bubble is engrossing. Books like this don't come around often, so don't miss out on it. If you, like me, happen to be a big Beatles fan, you absolutely need this for your shelf. You need The Fifth Beatle in your life.

The Verdict

The Fifth Beatle is a comic book that you need to read and experience. It's a fantastic and heartbreaking story about ambition, success and loneliness. It also is absolutely amazing looking. Stunning stuff, from start to finish.

Masterpiece

Easily one of the most beautiful graphic novels ever; a work of art that demands your attention. Buy this book, people.